which would initially take months to even years into days. As days passed following Russias initial attack on Ukraine countless sanctions were put in place for Russia to weaken their economy making war much more costly. The United States instantly took action following Putins attack on Ukraine by sending more than $350 million in military backing. As of the end of January the United States has distributed two billion towards military assistance (Abramson). While looking at a current territorial map of Ukraine throughout the war you will see shaded areas along Ukraines border where Russian foot soldiers have invaded and other areas Ukraine and Russia are combating. What is not shown is a much more significant battle fought above Ukraine. Instead theyre a minimal Ukrainian air force fighting more extensive and powerful Russian fighter jets. As Putin continues to fight for air superiority countries continuously send ground ammunition to aid in their defenses against Russias airstrikes. As a result whichever country gains air superiority could heavily sway the wars direction. When Putin first attacked Ukraine he did so strategically. He first sent over ground missiles to take Ukraines radar system so they couldnt be seen. Afterward he sent a second wave of missiles to dissolve Ukraines airfields. If Russia succeeds in gaining total air dominance Ukraine wouldnt have enough weapons to combat an ambush to that degree. The first step in most wars is to win air superiority in invasions. Ukraine not only has far fewer fighter jets but in comparison to Russia they dont have as much ammunition either. Russia in any way is tremendously more powerful especially when it comes to aviation. When Russia comes into its next phase and starts utilizing its air force it couldnt be more crucial than now to implement a no-fly zone. A Russian aviation invasion could be catastrophic for Ukraine resulting in thousands more civilian casualties. Though many of Ukraines allies are sending over weapons that Ukrainian ground soldiers can use to take out Russian fighter jets they need more people. They need more planes in the sky to further prevent Russia from taking over the skies. If the United States and its NATO allies declare a humanitarian no-fly zone over Ukraine theyll be thrown into the conflict (Victor Hanson).
